County controller election too close to call

GOP challenger had tiny lead with 91.2% of the votes counted.

First-time candidate Stephen J. Barron Jr. was locked in a tight race with incumbent Northampton County Controller John Schimmel late Tuesday as Schimmel tried for his fourth term.

With 91.2 percent of the vote counted, Barron had a narrow lead, 14,511 votes to 14,265 for Schimmel, according to unofficial returns.

Schimmel, 60, is a Republican from Upper Mount Bethel Township. Barron, a Democrat, is from Bethlehem. The controller's job is considered part time and pays $39,000 a year.

Barron, 30, made the part-time label an issue in his campaign, pledging to be at the office full time if elected.

He said Schimmel, who maintains a private accounting practice, treated the county as a client. Barron argued that more oversight is needed for county finances.

Schimmel said he considered himself full time. He touted his 36 years of accounting experience and his full-time staff of six. In addition, Schimmel said he was available at any time.

Barron is a project manager for a company that provides group home services and also serves as treasurer of the Northampton County Democratic Committee. He has said he would resign his committee job if elected controller.